On Earth Day 2022, President Biden issued Executive Order 14072, highlighting the importance of forests and nature-based solutions in addressing the climate crisis and strengthening local economies. The order directs federal agencies to identify opportunities for deploying nature-based solutions across the government. The Roadmap to the National Climate Task Force emphasized five strategic areas: updating policies, unlocking funding, leveraging federal facilities, training the workforce, and advancing research and innovation.
Building on Biden’s climate goals, this initiative supports reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, conserving 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, and enhancing community resilience to climate impacts. The Nature-Based Solutions Roadmap and a companion resource guide featuring over 150 resources and examples aim to further these efforts and spur action.
Recently, the agency proposed an amendment to provide consistent guidance for the stewardship, conservation, and recruitment of old-growth across national forests. To submit feedback, stakeholders have a 90-day comment period ending September 20, 2024.
Below are two examples of how the agency employs proactive stewardship to enhance the resilience of old-growth forest conditions and ensure their longevity for future generations.
The Giant Sequoia Emergency Response Project focuses on mitigating the risks and effects of high-severity wildfires in the Sequoia National Forest. This initiative is vital for the long-term survival of giant sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) in areas that have either not burned or experienced only moderate burns. The project includes urgent treatments such as removing green and dead surface fuels and ladder fuels from around large giant sequoias to prevent them from torching during a fire.
Key partners such as the Save the Redwoods League, Plumas Corps, and UC Davis monitor the project’s impacts, ensuring scientific rigor and public transparency.
The Wolf Fuels and Vegetation Management Project in the Ochoco National Forest aims to increase the presence of late and old-structure tree stands where large trees are prevalent. The project involves removing understory trees to reduce density while maintaining and enhancing conditions for future large trees. Through harvest and noncommercial thinning activities, the project accelerates the development of large tree structures, enhancing tree vigor and reducing hazards from insects and diseases.
By reducing the number of understory trees, the projects decrease the fuel available for wildfires, mitigating wildfire risk. This reduction in density also promotes forest health by providing space for large trees to thrive, contributing to overall ecosystem stability. Additionally, a diverse forest structure enhances wildlife habitats, supporting a variety of species. Properly managed forests also positively impact water resources, improving water availability in the region.
However, balancing ecological needs with human safety and effective forest management is complex. Successful implementation of these projects necessitates active stakeholder engagement and collaboration, ensuring that various perspectives and expertise are integrated into the decision-making process.
In the long term, these projects contribute to sustainable forest management, addressing broader environmental challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and habitat loss. By fostering resilient ecosystems, the initiatives support the persistence of old-growth forests and the many benefits they provide for future generations.
These efforts aim to ensure these vital ecosystems' long-term health and resilience by addressing the primary threats of wildfire, insects, disease, and other climate-related stressors through proactive stewardship. The recent proposal for consistent guidance on the stewardship, conservation, and recruitment of old growth is a critical step forward.
